Tension in Kaduna over monarch’s killing

The paramount ruler of Adara Chiefdom in Southern Kaduna, Dr. Maiwada Galadima, has been killed by suspected kidnappers.

The monarch, who was kidnapped by yet-to-be identified gunmen penultimate Friday while returning to his palace after visiting the scene of a crisis in Kasuwan Magani, was finally killed in the early hours of Friday and his mutilated body dumped on the road.

Though his police orderly and three palace guards were killed on the spot, his wife was released by the assailants.

Following the development, the three members of the Senate from Kaduna State have expressed sadness over Galadima’s death.

Suleiman Hunkuyi (Kaduna-North), Shehu Sani (Kaduna-Central) and Danjuma La’ah (Kaduna-South), in a joint statement in Abuja on Friday, condemned the atrocity and called for calm in the state.

The statement read, “In peaceful memory of the paramount ruler of Adara Chiefdom, Mr. Maiwada Raphael Galadima, whose death was announced on Friday, October 26, 2018, the three senators from Kaduna State hereby offer this release as a special condolence to the entire people of Adara Chiefdom, the people of Southern Kaduna, and the entire people of Kaduna State for this monumental loss.

“The three senators also wish to send this message as a comfort to the people of Adaraland and the entire state to please remain calm as all efforts to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime shall be unearthed and brought to book.

“We also appeal to all and sundry to remain calm in their houses while the curfew lasts, and engage in special prayers for the repose of the soul of our beloved leader and all who lost their lives in the upheaval.”

Meanwhile, the state government said a 24-hour-curfew had been reinstated in Kaduna metropolis and its environs.

The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Governor Nasir el-Rufai, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, said the curfew commenced on Friday.

He said, “This is a necessary step to help maintain peace as we mourn the death of His Royal Highness, Agom Adara, who we lost to the criminals who abducted him last week.

“The Kaduna State Government calls for calm in all our communities. The criminal elements who perpetrated this crime should not be allowed to divide us.

“This is a struggle between good, decent, law-abiding people trying to uphold the peace and criminals who want to divide and destroy.

“It is not a struggle between religious or ethnic groups. Let no criminal find succour in faith or tribe. Let us unite against every criminal activity. Let us stand together as human beings who have a right to live in peace.”

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